American Heart Month

February is typically thought of as the month of Valentine’s Day, but there is actually another heart theme this month, and it lasts not one day but for all 28 days! February is also now known as American Heart Month, and it is all about getting your heart healthy as well as doing things to keep it that way. It can be hard to eat healthy or find time for exercise nowadays, but staying healthy while still living a life is very manageable.

Exercise is very important for everyone, especially if you want to lose weight or are trying to get in better shape. You do not need to do all that much just to stay healthy and keep your heart beating strong. Daily exercise is always recommended, and the American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, 5 times a week. For most people that would be a challenge to do; with work and doing your other daily tasks, it might seem like you have no time. It doesn’t have to be 30 minutes all at once if it makes it easier for you break the time up. 10 minutes of exercise in the morning, 10 on your lunch break, and 10 at night is just one solution that could work for people.

If you don’t know how you plan on exercising just yet, you could always start with walking to get healthy. Walk around the block before work, on your break, or later in the evening. It is easy and something everyone is familiar with, plus walking shouldn’t be too stressful on your heart. After all, walking is at a nice relaxed pace, and maybe down the line you could start jogging!

Diet is also just as important when talking about heart health. Stay away from fatty foods or items high in cholesterol. If you are craving something sweet, go with fruit instead of candy as it is healthier and will fill your sugar craving. Another important thing would be to limit your sodium intake. Too much salt will raise your blood pressure and can cause harm later on down the road.

Blood pressure is a key factor when discussing heart health. You do not want your blood pressure to be too high as it can put you at risk of heart disease or a heart attack. People with high blood pressure are 4 times more likely to die from a stroke, and are 3 times more likely to die from heart disease when compared to people with normal blood pressure. The scary thing about having high blood pressure is that there are rarely any signs or symptoms, which is why you should have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you or someone you know has high blood pressure, ask your doctor about medication, and take it as directed. If you are a smoker, quit immediately! If not, then don’t ever start because it will only damage your heart.

There are a lot of things one can do to manage heart risk:

• Exercise
• Eat healthier
• Manage blood pressure 
• Lose weight
• Reduce sugar
• Stop smoking

Changing your lifestyle can be a challenge, but if you have a strong support system and are doing the right things, the change will better your life. If you’re heart healthy, perhaps you could inspire others to get healthy as well. Heart health is important and it will help ensure that you have a nice, long, healthy life.

For continued help in staying heart healthy, be sure to talk with your primary care provider as well as us at Lake Country Physical Therapy & Sportscare. We are happy to help you every step of the way.

Lake Country Physical Therapy & Sportscare PC offers the very best physical therapy in Ontario County. We treat all your wants and needs with our trusted and experienced Physical Therapists and staff. To begin to feel pain and stress free, start your Physical Therapy journey today and schedule your evaluation by calling (585) 396-1400.